"We the willing, led by the unknowing, are doing the impossible for the ungrateful. We have done so much, with so little, for so long, we are now qualified to do anything, with nothing" By Konstantin Josef Jireček, a Czech historian, diplomat and slavist.

Give Peace a Chance in South Sudan

November 11, 2017 (SSB) — From December 2013, South Sudan had not witnessed peace. Political instability has become a ‘new normal’. Hatred is so stoked up. Consequently, unnecessary killings had intensified as tribes and sections of tribes find it plausible to mobilize against the other.

There has been an increase in criminal activities. Cattle rustlings, lootings, and robberies in cities and along high ways and killing of innocent passengers have become so impervious that they are often ignored by authorities. This was never the case before 2013 crisis descended onto the country.

Also, the war had crippled the nascent economy. All major economic activities that were functioning since the government was incepted in 2005 are halted. Shortage of hard currency, which resulted from the hostile business environment have curtailed normal business operations. Other worst aspects of the war include, but not limited to, displacement of civil population.

Contrary to this obvious lack of peace, some quarters of the general public are deluding themselves with falsehood. There is this perpetual false narrative of the existence of peace in our country. These quarters have lied that there is a semblance of peace across the country! But seriously, is South Sudan having peace now? Is South Sudan experiencing the kind of normalcy that was existing prior to 2013 crisis? I doubt.

Let’s be honest with ourselves. There is no peace in the country. We have to be bold enough to acknowledge the absence of peace only then we should be able to find solutions.

They say that peace is not an absence of war! Therefore, when there is peace; there will be freedom of movement. When there is peace; citizens will be moving freely without fear of retributions. When there is peace; those who have found sanctuary in UNMISS camps will vacate the camps to rejoin the rest outside the camps. Until we witness these, we will never be certain to assert peace arrival.

Further, even if there could be no pieces of evidence of war similar to the kind which was witnessed in 2014 – 2015, one can never be fooled. Skirmishes which are reported in areas of Greater Upper Nile and Equatoria are tips of the iceberg. They should not be ignored. There is no peace as parts of the country are being engaged in on and off the war.

In all this, therefore, one is drawn to question the level of seriousness with which President Kiir’s government is willing to address these issues. President Kiir seems to have so much complacency. President Kiir, for reasons known to him, has ‘locked’ himself up in Juba at times when most areas of the country are bearing the cruel brunt and hardships whose roots are traceable to J1 politics. One wonders why is Kiir and most other politicians brushed such unfortunate grave realities aside. South Sudan crisis needs forgiveness and statesmanship.

Finally, whilst I sometimes may not agree with the ways President Kiir is handling the affairs of our country. I still give him the benefit of the doubt. President Kiir should re-energize his leadership base so as to bring peace to the country. Our people have suffered for far too long. People are tired of war.

They want genuine and permanent peace. President Kiir should extend his sincere olive branch to all political rivals. He should be serious with National Dialogue.

Makeer Kuol Koriom lives in Melbourne, Australia. He can be reached at mekakuol@gmail.com

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